Welcome to the California Department of Aging

The California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the State. The Department administers funds allocated under the federal Older Americans Act , the Older Californians Act, and through the Medi-Cal program.

The Department contracts with the network of Area Agencies on Aging, who directly manage a wide array of federal and state-funded services that help older adults find employment; support older and disabled individuals to live as independently as possible in the community; promote healthy aging and community involvement; and assist family members in their vital care giving role. CDA also contracts directly with agencies that operate the Multipurpose Senior Services Program through the Medi-Cal home and community-based waiver for the elderly, and certifies Adult Day Health Care centers for the Medi-Cal program.

Our Mission

The Department's mission is to promote the independence and well-being of older adults, adults with disabilities, and families through

• Access to information and services to improve the quality of their lives;
• Opportunities for community involvement; and
• Support for family members providing care.

Our Vision

The opportunity for every Californian to enjoy wellness, longevity and quality-of-life choices within strong, healthy communities.

CDA Core Values

The Department strives to accomplish its Mission in a manner consistent with its Core Values outlined below.

• Leadership: We set the direction for ensuring that strategies, systems, and methods for achieving excellence are created; and for building the knowledge and capabilities of our employees and others who work with our customers.
• Diversity: We work in an inclusive environment that respects the rights of all people, their equal opportunity to succeed, and the contributions they make toward accomplishing our Mission.
• Advocacy: We speak in support of individuals and issues that promote the overall well-being of our customers.
• Accountability: We assume responsibility – individually, and in teams – for our behaviors, actions, and results and for serving our customers in the manner in which they want to be served.
• Quality: Our performance demonstrates a commitment to, and recognition of, excellence, which is the balance of efficiency and effectiveness.
• Innovation: We take initiative by being open and receptive to experimenting with new and creative ideas.
• Collaboration: We foster partnerships and cooperation with our stakeholders, business partners, and customers in planning, delivering, and evaluating programs and services.
• Integrity: We are open, honest, trustworthy, and professional in the performance of our duties and in our dealings with our customers, business partners, and stakeholders.
• Empowerment: We enable individuals to make informed choices that can enrich their lives and support their ability to effectively participate in their communities.
• Respect: We hold our stakeholders, business partners, and customers in the highest esteem, and show due consideration and appreciation in our interactions for their ideas, programs, and services.